Friday, 20 January 2017

Karachi: Mahtab Akbar Rashdi and HUM Films hosted an exclusive
movie premiere for the first release of the year, Thora Jee Le in Karachi.

‘Thora
Jee le’ is a comedy/drama film written and directed by Rafay Rashdi, produced
by 1NFLUENCE and executively produced by Mahtab Akbar Rashdi. The youthful
movie has been shot in Karachi and Larkana.

The cast
includes some of the young and talented actors in the Pakistani film industry
namely, Rizwan Ali Jaffri, Bilal Abbas, Ramsha Khan, Salman Faisal, Fatima Shah
Jillani, Kasim Khan and Ahsan Mohsin Ikram.

The
premier had a star studded red carpet with the star cast of the movie.

‘Thora
Jee Le’ released on 20th January 2017 under the banner of Hum Films.
The story revolves around seven individuals belonging to different backgrounds
and how their lives transform as they enter their practical life. A
story about self-discovery, dosti, tafreeh, jigri & yaari between friends,
who venture on a journey of a lifetime only to discover that fate has different
plans, for all of them.

“Thora
Jee Le has been released in all cinemas nationwide and every individual must go
and watch the film to support Pakistani cinema and the new talented actors in
the movie. The actors debuting in the film have a chance to shine on this
platform which will boost their career professionally and help them rise and shine
in the Pakistan Film Industry. Thora Jee Le is a wholesome entertainment for
cinema goers.” commented Mahtab Akbar Rashdi executive producer of the movie.

“Thora
Jee Le has a youth-based and heartwarming story and I am grateful for all the love
and support during our promotions and we are looking forward to a great
feedback. Many people can relate to the movie as it is packed with comedy and
entertainment.” says director Rafay Rashdi, the writer and director of the
film.

The
music of ‘Thora Jee le’ is composed by the very famous Suhaib Rashdi with sound
by Electrikroom Studios.

This movie Thora Jee Le has joined the pack of HUM
Films.” Sultana Siddiqui, President HUM Network.

All of Ali Zafar’s fans had been waiting for this news since they saw the singer’s acting skills in his debut Bollywood movie Terey Bin Laden. And we were more than excited when we found out that Zafar is finally working on a Pakistani movie. However, its been a couple of months since any more news regarding the movie came up, which is why we were so excited when we saw Ali Zafar's tweet that revealed the title of the film!Ali Zafar gave his fans a sneak peek of the film script he received, and revealed the official film title, TEEFA in TROUBLE with a note signed off by director Ahsan Rahim which urged Zafar to “Kindly start training” for what promises to be an action packed role with comedy.The film also marks the feature film directorial debut of Ahsan Rahim. Rahim has previously proved his mettle by directing some of Pakistan’s most iconic music videos such as Laga re, Sajania, Kismat Apne Hath Main, Preeto, Dosti and the much popular Ufone ads. Judging from his past work, we are sure Rahim will give us something to remember.The romantic action-comedy is being produced by Lightingale Productions, and we can't wait for the film to release so we can watch the heartthrob Ali Zafar in action.

For all those who are excited about the upcoming film Parwaaz Hay Junoon, here's some more good news! Another great actor has been added to the cast and it's none other than Shamoon Abbasi.

According to the actor, the contract for the film has been signed and this time round, he will be seen in a positive role.

Here's what Shamoon told HIP, "I am very excited for the movie," he said. "Haseeb is my favourite director and the work we create together is always interesting."

When asked what his expectations for the film are, he revealed, "A cinematographer is coming from China for the movie, so I am sure the film will look good."

The film will highlight true events and will pay a tribute to the armed forces.

He further stated, "This is the first Pakistani film based on our Air Force, and I believe the movie will do wonderful."

Shamoon also revealed that they are going to shoot the movie in places like Skardu. "It's cold, but it's worth it," he said.

Other actors that have been roped in for the movie are Hania Amir, and Hamza Ali Abbasi. It's still not confirmed if Osman Khalid Butt will be a part of the film. Written by Farhat Ishtiaq of Humsafar, Diyar-e-Dil and Udaari fame, we have high hopes for the movie set to release in 2017.

Ace writer and director Shoaib Mansoor's Verna is one movie we are desperately waiting for. God know's if we'll get to watch Mahira Khan in Raees on our local screens or not but we're sure we'll get to see her in Verna and we're super excited! Also, if sources are to be believed, Haroon Shahid, the lead vocalist of the Pop Rock band SYMT might be playing the male lead opposite the gorgeous Zaalima.Haroon contributed 2 songs for Coke Studio season 5, Tum Kaho and Koi Labda and later made a comeback in season 9 with Laung Gawacha.According to news and various sources, apart from starring as the male lead, he will also be singing and composing songs for Verna. However, there hasn't been an official announcement yet.

Verna will be Mahira Khan's second collaboration with Shoaib Mansoor. The beauty of Mansoor's work is his passion for focusing on topics that carry strong messages and that's one reason we're so impatient for the movie to release.

Actor Osman Khalid Butt has reportedly been “dropped” from Hania Aamir, Shamoon and Hamza Ali Abbasi starrerParwaaz Hai Junoon. The actor has been replaced with Ahad Raza Mir, the son of veteran actor Asif Raza Mir. Ahad will be making his TV debut alongside Mawra Hocane and Adnan

“The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) wanted someone more macho for the role, so it decided drop Osman,” a source told The Express Tribune. Another individual said the actor backed out of the project as he had his hands full with Balu Mahi promotions. Butt refused to comment while producer Momina Duraid remained unreachable despite repeated attempts.

If Butt backed out, we can’t help but feel confused since he appeared quite upbeat at the film’s launch on Defence Day last year. He had shared how he used to be a daredevil when he was young, and would get to fulfill his childhood fantasies through the film. “As I grew up, patriotism turned into more of a romantic feeling, I wanted to fight for my country and soar to the skies. I will finally be able to do that as a pilot now!” he had said.

While Pakistani filmmakers continue to play it safe by churning out hoards of clichéd romantic comedies, the audience seems to have a craving for epic period dramas. Wouldn’t it be amazing to watch a Pakistani movie with visuals as grand as those of Game of Thrones? Well, our prayers may have been answered. Upcoming Pakistani film Saladin is gearing up to shake the industry with some astounding visuals.

Umar Agha, a film graduate from Columbia University recently released the teaser of the film based on the life of iconic Muslim ruler Salahuddin Ayyubi. The first sultan of Egypt and Syria and the founder of the Ayyubid Dynasty, Saladin was known for his military conquests and generosity. He also led the Muslim military campaign against the Crusader states in the Levant, and is widely respected across the Muslim world.

As wonderful as the teaser looks, it still requires a budget to be turned into a complete feature. With the proof-of-concept teaser, Agha aims to attract funding for Saladin; the teaser merely a glimpse of what Agha is capable of executing.

The zero-budget video shot in Lahore looks better than most contemporary Pakistani film teasers and, according to a picture posted on Saladin’s official Facebook page, it looks like Hollywood is taking note of Agha’s work. “Umar has a unique vision, and he knows exactly how this project should look,” says Arnauld Valette, concept artist for Game of Thrones and Marvel Studios.

Long before Lux or HUM, Nigar Awards were presented to pioneers of the nation’s entertainment industry.

The awards, initiated in 1958, were discontinued in 2002 as the fortunes of the local film industry plunged.“We discontinued as Pakistani cinema did not produce a lot of films. Only a dozen or so films were being produced during the last 15 years. Only Pashto cinema kept the window open for the industry to survive. Besides that there was no quality work being produced,” chairman Aslam Ilyas Rashidi told The Express Tribune.

He added that the reason to discontinue the awards was taken to prevent the credibility of the awards from being compromised. “If we would have awarded films of questionable quality that were barely watched, it would have reflected poorly on Nigar. I believe we made the right decision as Nigar remains etched in people’s minds to this day.”

Rashidi said he had garnered great support from the fraternity. “Everyone has pledged their support. We are ecstatic about reviving the awards to recognise quality films once again,” he said.Back when films like Benhur (1959) were awarded 11 Academy Awards, Pakistani films like Chakori and Aina were being recognised by the Nigar Awards for excellence in cinema. The Nigar Awards were introduced in 1958 by Ilyas Rashidi, also called Baba-e-Filmi Sahafat in Pakistan.The awards were an extension of Nigar, Pakistan’s first weekly newspaper dedicated to all things Lollywood. The publication was founded in 1948.After Rashidi’s demise in 1997, his ventures continued to flourish under the tutelage of his son Aslam Ilyas. The 2017 Nigar Awards will be held on March 16. The return of the awards will be officially announced in a press conference tomorrow (Thursday).

Friday, 6 January 2017

Whistle has made an initiative to bring a film based on nationalism like never before. It has a unique story that focuses on cross-border drug trafficking and drug penetration amongst the youth of the country. It revolves around a very sensitive issue and we feel it was about time to be brought to the spotlight.

Set to release on 17th Feb 2017, the film also highlights the media war against Pakistan and helps in creating awareness about this alarming issue..

The press conference was attended by prominent media personnel along with the Chief guest Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi (Deputy Mayor Islamabad) who congratulated and wished the team all the best.

The launch of Whistle’s official poster and trailer got a big round of applause.

"Whistle focuses on placing the right and high image of Pakistan," said the director of the film, Ammad Azhar.

He further added, "It’s our prime responsibility to join hands in combating this issue of terrorism and drug trafficking in Pakistan. We are making this film to highlight this respective issue, showing what our true identity is and what we are capable of."

Mian Yasin, the producer of this film said, "It’s a pride to work for the betterment and promotion of Pakistani cinema and also to make a film like Whistle that highlights the spirit of nationalism in true aspect. My message to everyone is be Pakistani, buy Pakistani and be proud of who you are."

Shafaq Ammad, the story writer and art director of the film mentioned that Pakistan is our pride and identity and we should never and at no cost compromise on our national interests.

Whistle shall be distributed by Another Films and Play Pictures on all cinema screens throughout Pakistan.

Raasta is an upcoming movie starring Sahir Lodhi. The movie has made quite a hype already, with its trailer and a song by Rahet Fateh Ali Khan. And now, an item song featuring Mathira is out and we have a lot to say.It is safe to say that Mathira has got moves as good as any Bollywood actress featuring in an item song. The diva is seen shaking to a funky tune and she does it pretty well. She is seen wearing a yellow ghagra choli while a group of men drinking surround her and dance to the tunes. Hence, Pakistanis successfully meet the standard of quality Bollywood item songs and show that they are not behind in anything. If they have Sunny Leone for the perfect dance moves, we have Mathira!We also must point out the chemistry highlighted between Naveed Raza and Mathira with their synchronised dance moves.

Raasta is directed by Sahir Lodhi and also produced by him along with Moid Ul Hasan and Dr Faisal Zia. Apart from Lodhi, the movie stars Shamoon Abbasi, Naveed Raza, Sana Nawaz, Aijaz Aslam, Saleem Mairaj, Abeer Rizvi and Saima Azhar in significant roles.

With all the amazing movies set to release in 2017, Chein Aye Na is yet another exciting venture that has been added to the list. Even though we don't know much about the storyline of the movie, we can't help but look forward to its release as it is a film by the veteran director Syed Noor.

Also, the cast of the movie is pretty starry and we are delighted to see them working together. The cast includes Miss Pakistan USA 2015 Sarish Khan, and the handsome and talented Shahroz Sabzwari in the lead. Other actors in the movie include Atiqa Odho, Behroz Sabzwari, Mustafa Qureshi and Nadeem Baig. Adil Murad, son of legendary actor Waheed Murad, is also in the film.

Revealing a bit on the movie, Shahroz Subzwari said, "Chein Aye Na is a romantic movie. I can't reveal the entire plot, but all I can say is that it is about a musician who falls in love. The rest you will find out with time."

Speaking more on the element of romance in the film, Shahroz stated, "It is a pure romantic movie. Syed Noor Sahab made sure the movie is a modern reflection of the old Pakistani movies that once reigned the cinema.

Sahrish Khan too, is quite excited about the movie, "It's an honor for me to be working with Syed Noor (Noor Uncle) in the beginning of my career," she said. "It's exciting working with legendary actors like Nadeem Baig and Atiqa Odho, all names that I'm very familiar with and have a family-like relationship with.

The actress however, is a bit nervous too, since a lot is expected from her, "Being the granddaughter of Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar brings high expectations. But I'm ready to face the challenge and build my own place in people's hearts to carry forward my family's legacy."

The shooting of the Chein Aye Na starts this week and we wish the cast and director all the best for the venture. Can't wait for more juicy details once the shooting begins!

Last year, we only saw a glimpse of Fawad Khan in Ho Mann Jahan and as much as we loved the cameo, we'll have to admit, we weren't fully satisfied. We want a full-fledged movie revolving around Fawad and we think it's about time he finally releases a Pakistani movie. Yes, we adore the work he has done in Bollywood, but we believe Pakistani cinema needs him more right now.Ever since Fawad came back from India, everyone's curious to know what the superstar is up to, apart from doing TVCs and making public appearances at various occasions.

"If not two, then one movie I will be doing for sure," says Fawad.

And from the rugged look that he's flaunting these days, we're guessing it's Maula Jatt 2! What do you think?

As per reports, shooting for Maula Jatt 2 starts in March this year. However, considering Bilal Lashari's editing and attention to detail, the movie won't release before 2018.

Pakistani filmmakers seem to be on a roll these days, by touching upon different genres, hence providing the audience with a variety of films. After Project Ghazi being announced as a super hero movie, Nabeel Qureshi is also working on an action movie now.

We were initially suspicious when we saw a picture of Mehwish Hayat on social media in a super woman's attire. However, all our curiosities have been put to rest after Qureshi released a clip, featuring the gorgeous diva. And yes, we were stunned with what we saw.

Qureshi who has previously made blockbusters like Na Maloom Afraad and Actor in Law will be doing something different by touching upon the action movie genre, and we are sure this movie will be quite creative too.

The 12-second long teaser, features Mehwish Hayat as a strong and marvellous superwoman, fighting people off as thrilling music plays in the background. The kicks and punches Mehwish seems to be landing, makes us wonder how much hard work was put in to create a perfect action based visual treat.

Pakistan’s first superhero film Project Ghazi has been in the news ever since the project was announced last year. Still in its production phase, the film stars Humayun Saeed, Shehryar Munawar and Syra Shahroz in lead roles.

Ali Raza, the producer of the film shared that 75% of the film’s production has been completed and they hope to wrap it up soon. Regarding the release date, he said, “It is better that I don’t reveal it now because things can take an unexpected turn in our industry. But rest assured Project Ghazi will release in 2017.”

Furthermore, the producer hoped the film would break box office records. When asked whether he thought Project Ghazi, likeWaar, would take Pakistani cinema forward and explore new genres, he said, “I really hope so. I think we need to experiment with this genre more because it has a lot of potential.”

While Pakistani cinema has recently delved into superhero genre with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s successful animated feature 3 Bahadur, Project Ghazi would be the first live action superhero film. Raza said it was not a typical Hollywood style superhero film either. “It’s not Batman or Superman because we had to create characters that would be relevant to our society. The superheroes need to be as realistic as the world they are placed in.”

Pakistani films may have improved on the technical aspects but we still have a long way to go in creating strong narratives and memorable characters. According to Raza, a good superhero has a great character arc. “It has to be a strong battle between good and evil. A lot of films just have one superhero, but we have two.” One of them is an ‘advanced soldier’ played by Saeed and the other one is a rookie soldier played by Munawar,

While superhero films have a huge market, they are often considered mindless entertainment, which they possibly can turn out to be. However, Project Ghazi, like all potentially good films, aims to camouflage a strong point in disguise of entertainment. “Thematically, the film is about intolerance in our society. We see injustice against minorities here, so essentially, it talks about that.”

Besides the narrative and theme, the producers have left no stone unturned to match international standards of film-making. “We have used 3D printed costumes for the characters so the production quality is top notch. We have created different institutions in the film where the story is set, all from the scratch, to not compromise on the authenticity.”

Earlier reports indicated that fitness guru Nusrat Hidayatullah of 42 Day Challenge fame was set to play the villain in Project Ghazi. Soon after, rumours arose about actor Tatmain ul Qulb replacing her. However, Hidayatullah has now clarified that she was still essaying the role of an antagonist. “Yes, I’m still part of the project; not sure why anyone would believe otherwise,” she told The Express Tribune.

Raza also set the record straight, saying he didn’t know where the rumours started. “She is part of Project Ghazi and so is Tatmain.”

Sunday, 1 January 2017

Bhai Log actor Babar Ali is making a comeback on the big screen with upcoming romantic comedy Isharay Tumhare.

"Isharay Tumhare is a love story [and] family drama with some good melodious songs. [It's} a full family film. You can enjoy this film with all family members," the director Abdul Majid Khan tells Images.

Earlier titled Meri Jaan, the film is being touted by Abdul Majid as a unique addition to the 2017 roster of Pakistani films.

"It's going to be a very different movie from all the previous and present films from Pakistan," he promises. "It's also different from Indian films, it's totally a Pakistani culture based film. You will see the difference in cinema. I hope people will like the film. This is a women-oriented story especially for Pakistani women of all ages."

This is why Babar Ali signed the film in the first place.

"He liked the script, so the lead character was given to him," says Abdul Majid.

The trailer appears to be an amalgamation of almost every love story cliché, but Abdul Majid says the trailer is just an indication of the "structure of the film".

"We've tried to not give away the story in the trailer."

The film also stars Javed Sheikh, Saba Hameed and Sangeeta in special appearances. and introduces five new faces, including Hiba Ali who plays the female lead.

The film will also boast a great soundtrack directed by Ahsan Bari. The background score has been composed by Ahsan Ali Taj.